Sports Media

Kyler Murray is scaring off head coaching candidates

Dominic Gutierrez / NFL / February 4, 2023

Kyler Murray is scaring off head coaching candidates

The head coaching search for the Arizona Cardinals isn’t going particularly well. After firing Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals haven’t gained any interest from potential candidates, and Kyler Murray is to blame.

Coaching candidates are reportedly not too fond of being tied down to Murray. The five-year, $230 million extension he signed last offseason has been a turn-off, and anyone who takes the job will be stuck with him at quarterback.

Part of the concern is his recovery from his repaired ACL that he tore this past season. If Murray isn’t able to start 2023 by being 100 percent, the Cardinals could be in a hole before even being given a chance. It’s been giving up more time to play Call of Duty anyways.

The Cardinals have interviewed a plethora of candidates, but so far none have been interested. They interviewed Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and Sean Payton, before he took the Broncos job. They’ve even interviewed their own defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph. If someone in your own organization doesn’t even want the job, that’s telling.

Murray has emerged as one of the better quarterbacks in the league since he was drafted. But he’s only made the playoffs once in his career.

His attitude has been questioned before as well, even by his own teammates. One anonymous player said the Cardinals, “created a monster” when giving Murray his contract extension. They also said Murray felt unmotivated to study film (probably because he was playing COD) and take the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback. The Cardinals even put a “homework clause” in his contract, saying he has to study at least four hours a week.

The clause ended up being removed, but his reputation is already damaged. It’s clear why no head coach wants to go to Arizona. At this point, Murray might as well be a player/coach.